All Categories
Featured
Table of Contents
The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and global financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.
Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 GrowthThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 GrowthPublic-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.
Latest Posts
Comparing Innovative Strategies Versus Legacy Business
Sustainable Dubai Industrial Expansion Models for 2026
How to Maintain a Leading Advantage in Dubai
